LT5 Performance Upgrade Paths

Marc Haibeck

LT5 Performance Upgrade Paths

The availability of bolt on performance parts for the LT5 is quite limited:

• About four types of exhaust systems• Engine calibration chip• Headers• Rear axle gears

Major Upgrades• Upgrades can be performed in a logical

progression• Or as a not so logical progression. If that’s what

you want.• Or in the form of a package

LT5 Performance Upgrade Paths

Logical upgrade path for a 350 ci engine:1. Low back pressure exhaust system. About +10 hp ’90-

’92. About 5 hp ’93-’95. 2. Performance calibration chip. About +10 hp.3. Gearing change. With a 4.10 ratio. 19% more torque to

the wheels.4. Headers. +25 hp.5. Top end porting. About +35 hp ’90-’92. About +20 hp

’93-’95.6. Cylinder head porting. About +40 hp ’90-’92. About +30

hp ’93-’95.7. Lightweight flywheel. About +15 dynamic hp.8. I don’t recommend a camshaft upgrade for a 350

LT5 Performance Upgrade Paths

The prices in this presentation were in effect in May ’2015. They may change with time.

Performance Increase Verses Cost350 Cubic Inch LT5

105

35

20

15

15

1.5k1.5k10

10.3k.3k

2.1k2.1k

2525

2.8k2.8k

6.8k6.8k

40

30

1.3k1.3k

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

1 2 3 4

Horsepower/Cost

375 + 135 = 510 HP $9,995

405 + 105 = 510 HP

$9,995'90 - '92 Engine '93 - '95 Engine

Horsepower HorsepowerCost Cost

Exhaust

Calibration

Headers

Top EndPorting

Head Porting

Flywheel

Flywheel

Head Porting

Top EndPorting

Headers

CalibrationExhaust

338.4 whp /.85 = 398 chp

429.4 whp / .85 = 505 chp

Upgrade to a 368 ci engine

• If the starting point is a maxed out 350 with 510 hp, the added displacement will take the engine to 540 hp.

LT5 Performance Upgrade Paths

Cost for a 368 ci engine

• Upgrade a stock 350 to a 540 hp 368. $16,900

The prices in this presentation were in effect in May 2015. They may change with time.

LT5 Performance Upgrade Paths

The 378 ci 565 hp engine

• Offset grind the OE crankshaft to go from 3.66” to 3.76” stroke

• The performance increase comes from the increased displacement and lighter connecting rods

The prices in this presentation were in effect in May 2015. They may change with time.

LT5 Performance Upgrade Paths

Cost for a 378 ci engine

• Upgrade a stock 350 to a 565 hp 378. $18,975

The prices in this presentation were in effect in May 2015. They may change with time.

LT5 Performance Upgrade Paths

Upgrade to a 415 ci engine

• Stock cams will provide 600 hp• Stage I cams will add 25 hp for 625 hp• Stage II cams will add 40 hp for 640 hp• Stage III cams will add 50 hp for 650 hp

The camshafts are dependant on availability

LT5 Performance Upgrade Paths

551.4 whp / .85 = 649 chp

Cost for a 415 ci engine

• Stock engine to 415 ci 600 hp. $24,500• Stock engine to 415 ci 625, 640 or 650 hp.

$29,900

The prices in this presentation were in effect in May 2015. They may change with time.

LT5 Performance Upgrade Paths

Haibeck Automotive Technology www.ZR1Specialist.com

Addison, Illinois 630-458-8427

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